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Taking a Break from Torah Study?

Question

Once Torah study is the most important thing in the world, should I never hang out with friends for the sake of friendship? Must I always be learning?

Answer

Everyone needs a break sometimes. (Maybe there are exceptions, but certainly most people do need “down time.”) When a person spends time doing something and does not have any breaks, then he often winds-up not being very productive. A person has to balance his time with learning and other things. Studying Torah should get put up as high as possible on the list, as long as it will be productive. How does a person decide how much time to spend learning and how much doing other things? This is often best understood by a Rabbi / mentor — someone older and wiser. I would suggest trying to find the right person to be your Rabbi.

All the best,

Rabbi Benyowitz

Answered in cooperation with STAR-K Kosher Certification, Baltimore, MD